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Middletown boys basketball head coach Chris Sattele celebrates after his team won Feb. 27, 2017, on a last-second shot to advance to the district finals.

SPECIAL TO THE PRESS & JOURNAL BY don graham

Posted
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 10:25 am

Blue Raider family:

For the past 10 years, it has been my distinct privilege and honor to be the head boys basketball coach at the Middletown Area High School, which is also the school district I currently serve in as an administrator.

Being able to coach in this great school district has been both humbling and rewarding. The confidence and support that the Middletown Area School Board of Education, Dr. Lori Suski (superintendent), and Mr. Cliff Smith (athletic director) have bestowed on me, for the past 10 years, helped me to always be able to keep my dedication and focus on our student athletes, which has always been my priority. I look forward to a challenging new role, in scholastic athletics, as the assistant athletic director for the Middletown Area School District.

I am excited to continue to work with the board members, administration, faculty, support staff, parents and community members as we unceasingly pursue our goal of providing a quality education and proud athletic programs for all our student-athletes.

I would be remiss if I didn't thank everyone who had a hand in helping me over the course of my coaching tenure. To my past and present coaching staff, the sacrifice and dedication you have shown to myself, and our players, has meant the world to me. To all my players, both past and present, you will never know how much I enjoyed the opportunity to have that time with you. Whether you played one minute or 32 minutes, you were a part of something bigger then yourself and, in the end, I hope you take that pride with you over the course of your life.

To the parents and guardians of my players, thank you for entrusting me with your children. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity you afforded me. It has truly been my pleasure to work with such outstanding young people.

To the booster club members, for your unwavering support, thank you. To our tremendous athletic support staff, your job is not easy, so for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my immediate and extended family, especially my parents, thank you for your unremitting support and sacrifice in helping me attain a dream ... it truly does take a village.

And most importantly, to my wife, Jen, our first date was Dec. 18, 1994. You spent the next 24 “seasons” with me as a player and coach. I would not have been able to do this if I didn't have your sustained support and love. While this chapter may be over, I now look forward to focusing on team Julia and Gabriella. ... I am beyond blessed.